Buyers Remorse

[eponym]

Afakasi,

Neat. BC, reg, and gauges for $300 is a good deal if they're in working order, they fit you, and they're right for the type of diving you'll be doing.

If the reg's not been serviced or inspected annually you'll want to have it at least inspected and bench tested (for proper intermediate pressure and second-stage cracking effort) before you use it in the pool. There are parts which require replacing every so often. Your instructor should have an opinion and suggestions on where to take it.

Welcome to SB and good luck with the course.
Bryan

 

[Damselfish]

If the shop says they're serviceable, then it sounds like you probably got a good deal. About the octo - sometimes people use 2nds for octos that are identical or at least the same quality as their primary. Sometimes they're basically the same, maybe a different color, but the octo is detuned a bit so it has less tendency to freeflow (basically, just start gushing air when it's just hanging there and you're not using it.) And sometimes, people choose octos that are different because they're smaller, cheaper, work upside down, or whatever.

I used to dive with a Dacor Viper octo. I got it because it works the same upside down, which is a nice quality when you pass it to someone else. It was ok as an octo, but I wouldn't want to use it as my primary 2nd stage, not the best breather and I don't think that was just a matter of tuning. I know nothing about the Fury. You're just going to have to figure out what makes sense, and you can do whatever you want with your hoses. (Though for most rec divers, the longer yellow hose is what they would have on their octo, and in fact the Dacor Viper octo did come with a longish yellow hose. Maybe there's some good reason this person switched them, and maybe not. )

 

[eponym]

Afakasi,

Dacor was purchased a while back by Mares, who were unable to "save" them. See for example this old thread.

Parts for many Dacor regs are still widely available (at least in some areas and from some larger online retailers). Mares is offering upgrade deals to swap old regs for newer models--today they announced a new program for any Dacor reg pre-2000.

I think you might want to ask a shop (or Mares directly) about your particular reg and the prospects for continued serviceability.

Best of luck,
Bryan

 

[Jorgy]

300 bucks, that is awesome........

My personal magic number to get under $10 spent on gear per dive.........excluding annual service, back gas and cost of the dive itself (like a dive boat charter, or gas to drive to a shore dive)...........

So in 30 dives with this setup you are there.........

This is a perfect setup to learn to dive, develop good technique, buoyancy control and figure out how far you want to go with this hobby........

In due time you can upgrade/change equipment as needed........

I wish I had found a deal like that when I started - for me it was $3,000 on two sets of new gear.........how silly was I.......

M

 

[Skagital]

Hey Friend no worries there, $300.oo is a good price to get in on some recent dive equipment (vintage 2004). Talk it up with your instructor and DM on what is a good set-up between the octo and 2nd stage, its all about your comfort and accessability. I strongly recommend prior to using the equipment you turn it into your local reputable dive locker for a thorough inspection. Good luck on your certification...
cheers AL

 

[RonFrank]

So you got a first stage, second stage, octo, BC, and gauges for $300? The question is not if you got ripped off, but if the original owner is still crying! Seriously, you got a good amount of equipment for about the cost of a reasonable computer, or used BC!

You may choose to part with some of this gear in the future, but I think you will have no issue selling it for what you paid. For the time being, dive it. Make sure that the reg is in good shape. You can pay to have it serviced, but IMO you may just want to have it inspected (if that is an option). Diving it in the pool is certainly not going to kill you if that is what it comes down to.

 

[boliver_69]

I've been using the Viper as my primary, and I have been very happy with it. It is a great reg. On suggestion from a instructor friend I did recently upgrade however. She said it is not a good choice for deep dives, that is has a tendency to freeflow. Something to keep in mind for the future

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I still have an old Viper (circa 2001) reg at home. I only use it for pool work now ... or as a loaner for students ... but it's got many hundreds of reliable dives on it. My ex-wife and still dive buddy used it for about six years before upgrading to a Dive Rite reg.

Personally I think you got a good deal. Enjoy the gear and replace it as ... or if ... your diving goals change. For basic recreational diving, it's really all the reg you'll need.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Divenomad]

Afakasi,

Dacor was purchased a while back by Mares, who were unable to "save" them. See for example this old thread.

Parts for many Dacor regs are still widely available (at least in some areas and from some larger online retailers). Mares is offering upgrade deals to swap old regs for newer models--today they announced a new program for any Dacor reg pre-2000.

I think you might want to ask a shop (or Mares directly) about your particular reg and the prospects for continued serviceability.

Best of luck,
Bryan

All the above,good info. Mares is slowly phasing out parts support for Dacor regs, so eventually you wont be able to service it, but that's years away. For $300.00 you paid a fair price. The trick to really get your money's worth is to dive as much as possible. Divide what you paid by how many dives you get out of it.

Nomad

 

[dpaustex]

I've got to ditto on this one. But everyone buying used gear should ask those questions first. No gear is a good deal if you can't get it serviced locally (I know there are lots of good mail order guys, but I like seeing the guy fixing my life-support, know what I mean?).